Anti-bradycardia pacing for a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

ABSTRACT

A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient&#39;s heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and far providing anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient&#39;s heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication entitled “UNITARY SUBCUTANEOUS ONLY IMPLANTABLECARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR AND OPTIONAL PACER,” having Ser. No.09/663,606, filed Sep. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,292, and U.S.patent application entitled “SUBCUTANEOUS ONLY IMPLANTABLECARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR AND OPTIONAL PACER,” having Ser. No.09/663,607, filed Sep. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,597, of whichboth applications are assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, and the disclosures of both applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

In addition, the present application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/940,283, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled“DUCKBILL-SHAPED IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR CANISTER ANDMETHOD OF USE,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,371, filed Aug.27, 2001 and entitled “CERAMICS AND/OR OTHER MATERIAL INSULATED SHELLFOR ACTIVE AND NON-ACTIVE S-ICD CAN,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,463, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/940,468, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled“SUBCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE FOR TRANSTHORACIC CONDUCTION WITH IMPROVEDINSTALLATION CHARACTERISTICS,” abandoned, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/941,814, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled “SUBCUTANEOUS ELECTRODEWITH IMPROVED CONTACT SHAPE FOR TRANSTHORACIC CONDUCTION,” abandoned,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,356, filed Aug. 27, 2001 andentitled “SUBCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE FOR TRANSTHORACIC CONDUCTION WITHHIGHLY MANEUVERABLE INSERTION TOOL,” abandoned, U.S. patent applicationSet. No. 09/940,340, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled “SUBCUTANEOUSELECTRODE FOR TRANSTHORACIC CONDUCTION WITH LOW-PROFILE INSTALLATIONAPPENDAGE AND METHOD OF DOING SAME,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,907, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/940,287, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled“SUBCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE FOR TRANSTHORACIC CONDUCTION WITH INSERTIONTOOL,” abandoned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,377, filedAug. 27, 2001 and entitled “METHOD OF INSERTION AND IMPLANTATION FORIMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR CANISTERS,” now U.S. Pat. No.6,866,044, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,599, filed Aug. 27,2001 and entitled “CANISTER DESIGNS FOR IMPLANTABLECARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,950,705, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/940,373, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled“RADIAN CURVE SHAPED IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR CANISTER,”now U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,974, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/940,273, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled “CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORHAVING A FOCUSED SHOCKING AREA AND ORIENTATION THEREOF,” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/940,266, filed Aug. 27, 2001 and entitled“BIPHASIC WAVEFORM FOR ANTI-TACHYCARDIA PACING FOR A SUBCUTANEOUSIMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,856,835,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/940,471, filed Aug. 27, 2001 andentitled “POWER SUPPLY FOR AN IMPLANTABLE SUBCUTANEOUSCARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR,” the disclosures of which applications arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performingelectrical cardioversion/defibrillation and optional pacing of the heartvia a totally subcutaneous non-transvenous system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Defibrillation/cardioversion is a technique employed to counterarrhythmic heart conditions including some tachycardias in the atriaand/or ventricles. Typically, electrodes are employed to stimulate theheart with electrical impulses or shocks, of a magnitude substantiallygreater than pulses used in cardiac pacing.

Defibrillation/cardioversion systems include body implantable electrodesand are referred to as implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs).Such electrodes can be in the form of patches applied directly toepicardial tissue, or at the distal end regions of intravascularcatheters, inserted into a selected cardiac chamber. U.S. Pat. Nos.4,603,705, 4,693,253, 4,944,300, 5,105,810, the disclosures of which areall incorporated herein by reference, disclose intravascular ortransvenous electrodes, employed either alone or in combination with anepicardial patch electrode. Compliant epicardial defibrillatorelectrodes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,567,900 and 5,618,287, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. A sensingepicardial electrode configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,476,503, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to epicardial and transvenous electrodes, subcutaneouselectrode systems have also been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,342,407 and 5,603,732, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference, teach the use of a pulse monitor/generatorsurgically implanted into the abdomen and subcutaneous electrodesimplanted in the thorax. This system is far more complicated to use thancurrent ICD systems using transvenous lead systems together with anactive can electrode and therefore it has o practical use. It has infact never been used because of the surgical difficulty of applying sucha device (3 incisions), the impractical abdominal location of thegenerator and the electrically poor sensing and defibrillation aspectsof such a system.

Recent efforts to improve the efficiency of ICDs have led manufacturersto produce ICDs which are small enough to be implanted in the pectoralregion. In addition, advances in circuit design have enabled the housingof the ICD to form a subcutaneous electrode. Some examples of ICDs inwhich the housing of the ICD serves as an optional additional electrodeare described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,133,353, 5,261,400, 5,620,477, and5,658,321 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

ICDs are now an established therapy for the management of lifethreatening cardiac rhythm disorders, primarily ventricular fibrillation(V-Fib). ICDs are very effective at treating V-Fib, but are therapiesthat still require significant surgery.

As ICD therapy becomes more prophylactic in nature and used inprogressively less ill individuals, especially children at risk ofcardiac arrest, the requirement of ICD therapy to use intravenouscatheters and transvenous leads is an impediment to very long termmanagement as most individuals will begin to develop complicationsrelated to lead system malfunction sometime in the 5–10 year time frame,often earlier. In addition, chronic transvenous lead systems, theirreimplantation and removals, can damage major cardiovascular venoussystems and the tricuspid valve, as well as result in life threateningperforations of the great vessels and heart. Consequently, use oftransvenous lead systems, despite their many advantages, are not withouttheir chronic patient management limitations in those with lifeexpectancies of >5 years. The problem of lead complications is evengreater in children where body growth can substantially altertransvenous lead function and lead to additional cardiovascular problemsand revisions. Moreover, transvenous ICD systems also increase cost andrequire specialized interventional rooms and equipment as well asspecial skill for insertion. These systems are typically implanted bycardiac electrophysiologists who have had a great deal of extratraining.

In addition to the background related to ICD therapy, the presentinvention requires a brief understanding of automatic externaldefibrillator (AED) therapy. AEDs employ the use of cutaneous patchelectrodes to effect defibrillation under the direction of a bystanderuser who treats the patient suffering from V-Fib. AEDs can be aseffective as an ICD if applied to the victim promptly within 2 to 3minutes.

AED therapy has great appeal as a tool for diminishing the risk of deathin public venues such as in air flight. However, an AED must be used byanother individual, not the person suffering from the potential fatalrhythm. It is more of a public health tool than a patient-specific toollike an ICD. Because >75% of cardiac arrests occur in the home, and overhalf occur in the bedroom, patients at risk of cardiac arrest are oftenalone or asleep and can not be helped in time with an AED. Moreover, itssuccess depends to a reasonable degree on an acceptable level of skilland calm by the bystander user.

What is needed therefore, especially for children and for prophylacticlong term use, is a combination of the two forms of therapy which wouldprovide prompt and near-certain defibrillation, like an ICD, but withoutthe long-term adverse sequelae of a transvenous lead system whilesimultaneously using most of the simpler and lower cost technology of anAED. What is also needed is a cardioverter/defibrillator that is ofsimple design and can be comfortably implanted in a patient for manyyears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator forsubcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib andusing a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart orreside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providinganti-bradycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitorsubsystem for storing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy for delivery tothe patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to thecapacitor subsystem for providing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy tothe capacitor subsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is now made tothe drawings where like numerals represent similar objects throughoutthe figures where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a subcutaneouselectrode of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a subcutaneouselectrode of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the S-ICD and lead of FIG. 1subcutaneously implanted in the thorax of a patient;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the S-ICD and lead of FIG. 2subcutaneously implanted in an alternate location within the thorax of apatient;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the S-ICD and lead of FIG. 3subcutaneously implanted in the thorax of a patient;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the method of making a subcutaneous pathfrom the preferred incision and housing implantation point to atermination point for locating a subcutaneous electrode of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an introducer set for performing themethod of lead insertion of any of the described embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an alternative S-ICD of the presentinvention illustrating a lead subcutaneously and serpiginously implantedin the thorax of a patient for use particularly in children;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an S-ICD ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the S-ICD of FIG. 10 subcutaneouslyimplanted in the thorax of a patient;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of yet a further embodiment where thecanister of the S-ICD of the present invention is shaped to beparticularly useful in placing subcutaneously adjacent and parallel to arib of a patient; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a different embodiment where the canister ofthe S-ICD of the present invention is shaped to be particularly usefulin placing subcutaneously adjacent and parallel to a rib of a patient.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a Unitary Subcutaneous ICD (US-ICD) ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the US-ICD subcutaneously implanted inthe thorax of a patient;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the method of making a subcutaneous pathfrom the preferred incision for implanting the US-ICD.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an introducer for performing the methodof US-ICD implantation; and

FIG. 18 is an exploded schematic view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention with a plug-in portion that contains operationalcircuitry and means for generating cardioversion/defibrillation shockwaves.

FIG. 19 is a graph that shows an example of a biphasic waveform for usein anti-bradycardia pacing in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, the S-ICD of the present invention isillustrated. The S-ICD consists of an electrically active canister 11and a subcutaneous electrode 13 attached to the canister. The canisterhas an electrically active surface 15 that is electrically insulatedfrom the electrode connector block 17 and the canister housing 16 viainsulating area 14. The canister can be similar to numerous electricallyactive canisters commercially available in that the canister willcontain a battery supply, capacitor and operational circuitry.Alternatively, the canister can be thin and elongated to conform to theintercostal space. The circuitry will be able to monitor cardiac rhythmsfor tachycardia and fibrillation, and if detected, will initiatecharging the capacitor and then delivering cardioversion/defibrillationenergy through the active surface of the housing and to the subcutaneouselectrode. Examples of such circuitry are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,693,253 and 5,105,810, the entire disclosures of which are hereinincorporated by reference. The canister circuitry can providecardioversion/defibrillation energy in different types of waveforms. Inthe preferred embodiment, a 100 uF biphasic waveform is used ofapproximately 10–20 ms total duration and with the initial phasecontaining approximately ⅔ of the energy, however, any type of waveformcan be utilized such as monophasic, biphasic, multiphasic or alternativewaveforms as is known in the art.

In addition to providing cardioversion/defibrillation energy, thecircuitry can also provide transthoracic cardiac pacing energy. Theoptional circuitry will be able to monitor the heart for bradycardiaand/or tachycardia rhythms. Once a bradycardia or tachycardia rhythm isdetected, the circuitry can then deliver appropriate pacing energy atappropriate intervals through the active surface and the subcutaneouselectrode. Pacing stimuli will be biphasic in the preferred embodimentand similar in pulse amplitude to that used for conventionaltransthoracic pacing.

This same circuitry can also be used to deliver low amplitude shocks onthe T-wave for induction of ventricular fibrillation for testing S-ICDperformance in treating V-Fib as is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,129,392, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference. Also the circuitry can be provided with rapid induction ofventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia using rapidventricular pacing. Another optional way for inducing ventricularfibrillation would be to provide a continuous low voltage, i.e., about 3volts, across the heart during the entire cardiac cycle.

Another optional aspect of the present invention is that the operationalcircuitry can detect the presence of atrial fibrillation as described inOlson, W. et al. “Onset And Stability For Ventricular TachyarrhythmiaDetection in an Implantable Cardioverter and Defibrillator,” Computersin Cardiology (1986) pp. 167–170. Detection can be provided via R—RCycle length instability detection algorithms. Once atrial fibrillationhas been detected, the operational circuitry will then provide QRSsynchronized atrial defibrillation/cardioversion using the same shockenergy and waveshape characteristics used for ventriculardefibrillation/cardioversion.

The sensing circuitry will utilize the electronic signals generated fromthe heart and will primarily detect QRS waves. In one embodiment, thecircuitry will be programmed to detect only ventricular tachycardias orfibrillations. The detection circuitry will utilize in its most directform, a rate detection algorithm that triggers charging of the capacitoronce the ventricular rate exceeds some predetermined level for a fixedperiod of time: for example, if the ventricular rate exceeds 240 bpm onaverage for more than 4 seconds. Once the capacitor is charged, aconfirmatory rhythm check would ensure that the rate persists for atleast another 1 second before discharge. Similarly, terminationalgorithms could be instituted that ensure that a rhythm less than 240bpm persisting for at least 4 seconds before the capacitor charge isdrained to an internal resistor. Detection, confirmation and terminationalgorithms as are described above and in the art can be modulated toincrease sensitivity and specificity by examining QRS beat-to-beatuniformity, QRS signal frequency content, R-R interval stability data,and signal amplitude characteristics all or part of which can be used toincrease or decrease both sensitivity and specificity of S-ICDarrhythmia detection function.

In addition to use of the sense circuitry for detection of V-Fib orV-Tach by examining the QRS waves, the sense circuitry can check for thepresence or the absence of respiration. The respiration rate can bedetected by monitoring the impedance across the thorax usingsubthreshold currents delivered across the active can and the highvoltage subcutaneous lead electrode and monitoring the frequency inundulation in the waveform that results from the undulations oftransthoracic impedance during the respiratory cycle. If there is noundulation, then the patent is not respiring and this lack ofrespiration can be used to confirm the QRS findings of cardiac arrest.The same technique can be used to provide information about therespiratory rate or estimate cardiac output as described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,095,987, 5,423,326, 4,450,527, the entire disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

The canister of the present invention can be made out of titanium alloyor other presently preferred electrically active canister designs.However, it is contemplated that a malleable canister that can conformto the curvature of the patient's chest will be preferred. In this waythe patient can have a comfortable canister that conforms to the shapeof the patient's rib cage. Examples of conforming canisters are providedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,586, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference. Therefore, the canister can be made out ofnumerous materials such as medical grade plastics, metals, and alloys.In the preferred embodiment, the canister is smaller than 60 cc volumehaving a weight of less than 100 gms for long term wearability,especially in children. The canister and the lead of the S-ICD can alsouse fractal or wrinkled surfaces to increase surface area to improvedefibrillation capability. Because of the primary prevention role of thetherapy and the likely need to reach energies over 40 Joules, a featureof the preferred embodiment is that the charge time for the therapy,intentionally e relatively long to allow capacitor charging within thelimitations of device size. Examples of small ICD housings are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,597,956 and 5,405,363, the entire disclosures ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

Different subcutaneous electrodes 13 of the present invention areillustrated in FIGS. 1–3. Turning to FIG. 1, the lead 21 for thesubcutaneous electrode is preferably composed of silicone orpolyurethane insulation. The electrode is connected to the canister atits proximal end via connection port 19 which is located on anelectrically insulated area 17 of the canister. The electrodeillustrated is a composite electrode with three different electrodesattached to the lead. In the embodiment illustrated, an optional anchorsegment 52 is attached at the most distal end of the subcutaneouselectrode for anchoring the electrode into soft tissue such that theelectrode does not dislodge after implantation.

The most distal electrode on the composite subcutaneous electrode is acoil electrode 27 that is used for delivering the high voltagecardioversion/defibrillation energy across the heart. The coilcardioversion/defibrillation electrode is about 5–10 cm in length.Proximal to the coil electrode are two sense electrodes, a first senseelectrode 25 is located proximally to the coil electrode and a secondsense electrode 23 is located proximally to the first sense electrode.The sense electrodes are spaced far enough apart to be able to have goodQRS detection. This spacing can range from 1 to 10 cm with 4 cm beingpresently preferred. The electrodes may or may not be circumferentialwith the preferred embodiment. Having the electrodes non-circumferentialand positioned outward, toward the skin surface, is a means to minimizemuscle artifact and enhance QRS signal quality. The sensing electrodesare electrically isolated from the cardioversion/defibrillationelectrode via insulating areas 29. Similar types ofcardioversion/defibrillation electrodes are currently commerciallyavailable in a transvenous configuration. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,534,022, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference, disclosures a composite electrode with a coilcardioversion/defibrillation electrode and sense electrodes.Modifications to this arrangement are contemplated within the scope ofthe invention. One such modification is illustrated in FIG. 2 where thetwo sensing electrodes 25 and 23 are non-circumferential sensingelectrodes and one is located at the distal end, the other is locatedproximal thereto with the coil electrode located in between the twosensing electrodes. In this embodiment the sense electrodes are spacedabout 6 to about 12 cm apart depending on the length of the coilelectrode used. FIG. 3 illustrates yet a further embodiment where thetwo sensing electrodes are located at the distal end to the compositeelectrode with the coil electrode located proximally thereto. Otherpossibilities exist and are contemplated within the present invention.For example, having only one sensing electrode, either proximal ordistal to the coil cardioversion!defibrillation electrode with the coilserving as both a sensing electrode and a cardioversion/defibrillationelectrode.

It is also contemplated within the scope of the invention that thesensing of QRS waves (and transthoracic impedance) can be carried outvia sense electrodes on the canister housing or in combination with thecardioversion/defibrillation coil electrode and/or the subcutaneous leadsensing electrode(s). In this way, sensing could be performed via theone coil electrode located on the subcutaneous electrode and the activesurface on the canister housing. Another possibility would be to haveonly one sense electrode located on the subcutaneous electrode and thesensing would be performed by that one electrode and either the coilelectrode on the subcutaneous electrode or by the active surface of thecanister. The use of sensing electrodes on the canister would eliminatethe need for sensing electrodes on the subcutaneous electrode. It isalso contemplated that the subcutaneous electrode would be provided withat least one sense electrode, the canister with at least one senseelectrode, and if multiple sense electrodes are used on either thesubcutaneous electrode and/or the canister, that the best QRS wavedetection combination will be identified when the S-ICD is implanted andthis combination can be selected, activating the best sensingarrangement from all the existing sensing possibilities. Turning againto FIG. 2, two sensing electrodes 26 and 28 are located on theelectrically active surface 15 with electrical insulator rings 30 placedbetween the sense electrodes and the active surface. These canistersense electrodes could be switched off and electrically insulated duringand shortly after defibrillation/cardioversion shock delivery. Thecanister sense electrodes may also be placed on the electricallyinactive surface of the canister. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, there areactually four sensing electrodes, two on the subcutaneous lead and twoon the canister. In the preferred embodiment, the ability to changewhich electrodes are used for sensing would be a programmable feature ofthe S-ICD to adapt to changes in the patient physiology and size (in thecase of children) over time. The programming could be done via the useof physical switches on the canister, or as presently preferred, via theuse of a programming wand or via a wireless connection to program thecircuitry within the canister.

The canister could be employed as either a cathode or an anode of theS-ICD cardioversion/defibrillation system. If the canister is thecathode, then the subcutaneous coil electrode would be the anode.Likewise, if the canister is the anode, then the subcutaneous electrodewould be the cathode.

The active canister housing will provide energy and voltage intermediateto that available with ICDs and most AEDs. The typical maximum voltagenecessary for ICDs using most biphasic waveforms is approximately 750Volts with an associated maximum energy of approximately 40 Joules. Thetypical maximum voltage necessary for AEDs is approximately 2000–5000Volts with an associated maximum energy of approximately 200–360 Joulesdepending upon the model and waveform used. The S-ICD of the presentinvention uses maximum voltages in the range of about 700 to about 3150Volts and is associated with energies of about 40 to about 210 Joules.The capacitance of the S-ICD could range from about 50 to about 200micro farads.

The sense circuitry contained within the canister is highly sensitiveand specific for the presence or absence of life threatening ventriculararrhythmias. Features of the detection algorithm are programmable andthe algorithm is focused on the detection of V-FIB and high rate V-TACH(>240 bpm). Although the S-ICD of the present invention may rarely beused for an actual life threatening event, the simplicity of design andimplementation allows it to be employed in large populations of patientsat modest risk with modest cost by non-cardiac electrophysiologists.Consequently, the S-ICD of the present invention focuses mostly on thedetection and therapy of the most malignant rhythm disorders. As part ofthe detection algorithm's applicability to children, the upper raterange is programmable upward for use in children, known to have rapidsupraventricular tachycardias and more rapid ventricular fibrillation.Energy levels also are programmable downward in order to allow treatmentof neonates and infants.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the optimal subcutaneous placement of the S-ICDof the present invention is illustrated. As would be evidence to aperson skilled in the art, the actual location of the S-ICD is in asubcutaneous space that is developed during the implantation process.The heart is not exposed during this process and the heart isschematically illustrated in the figures only for help in understandingwhere the canister and coil electrode are three dimensionally located inthe left mid-clavicular line approximately at the level of theinframammary crease at approximately the 5th rib. The lead 21 of thesubcutaneous electrode traverses in a subcutaneous path around thethorax terminating with its distal electrode end at the posterioraxillary line ideally just lateral to the left scapula. This way thecanister and subcutaneous cardioversion/defibrillation electrode providea reasonably good pathway for current delivery to the majority of theventricular myocardium.

FIG. 5 illustrates a different placement of the present invention. TheS-ICD canister with the active housing is located in the left posterioraxillary line approximately lateral to the tip of the inferior portionof the scapula. This location is especially useful in children. The lead21 of the subcutaneous electrode traverses in a subcutaneous path aroundthe thorax terminating with its distal electrode end at the anteriorprecordial region, ideally in the inframammary crease. FIG. 6illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 subcutaneously implanted in thethorax with the proximal sense electrodes 23 and 25 located atapproximately the left axillary line with thecardioversion/defibrillation electrode just lateral to the tip of theinferior portion of the scapula.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the method for implanting the S-ICD ofthe present invention. An incision 31 is made in the left anterioraxillary line approximately at the level of the cardiac apex. Thisincision location is distinct from that chosen for S-ICD placement andis selected specifically to allow both canister location more mediallyin the left inframammary crease and lead positioning more posteriorlyvia the introducer set (described below) around to the left posterioraxillary line lateral to the left scapula. That said, the incision canbe anywhere on the thorax deemed reasonably by the implanting physicianalthough in the preferred embodiment, the S-ICD of the present inventionwill be applied in this region. A subcutaneous pathway 33 is thencreated medially to the inframammary crease for the canister andposteriorly to the left posterior axillary line lateral to the leftscapula for the lead.

The S-ICD canister 11 is then placed subcutaneously at the location ofthe incision or medially at the subcutaneous region at the leftinframammary crease. The subcutaneous electrode 13 is placed with aspecially designed curved introducer set 40 (see FIG. 8). The introducerset comprises a curved trocar 42 and a stiff curved peel away sheath 44.The peel away sheath is curved to allow for placement around the ribcage of the patient in the subcutaneous space created by the trocar. Thesheath has to be stiff enough to allow for the placement of theelectrodes without the sheath collapsing or bending. Preferably thesheath is made out of a biocompatible plastic material and is perforatedalong its axial length to allow for it to split apart into two sections.The trocar has a proximal handle 41 and a curved shaft 43. The distalend 45 of the trocar is tapered to allow for dissection of asubcutaneous path 33 in the patient. Preferably, the trocar iscannulated having a central Lumen 46 and terminating in an opening 48 atthe distal end. Local anesthetic such as lidocaine can be delivered, ifnecessary, through the lumen or through a curved and elongated needledesigned to anesthetize the path to be used for trocar insertion shouldgeneral anesthesia not be employed. The curved peel away sheath 44 has aproximal pull tab 49 for breaking the sheath into two halves along itsaxial shaft 47. The sheath is placed over a guidewire inserted throughthe trocar after the subcutaneous path has been created. Thesubcutaneous pathway is then developed until it terminatessubcutaneously at a location that, if a straight line were drawn fromthe canister location to the path termination point the line wouldintersect a substantial portion of the left ventricular mass of thepatient. The guidewire is then removed leaving the peel away sheath. Thesubcutaneous lead system is then inserted through the sheath until it isin the proper location. Once the subcutaneous lead system is in theproper location, the sheath is split in half using the pull tab 49 andremoved. If more than one subcutaneous electrode is being used, a newcurved peel away sheath can be used for each subcutaneous electrode.

The S-ICD will have prophylactic use in adults where chronictransvenous/epicardial ICD lead systems pose excessive risk or havealready resulted in difficulty, such as sepsis or lead fractures. It isalso contemplated that a major use of the S-ICD system of the presentinvention will be for prophylactic use in children who are at risk forhaving fatal arrhythmias, where chronic transvenous lead systems posesignificant management problems. Additionally, with the use of standardtransvenous ICDs in children, problems develop during patient growth inthat the lead system does not accommodate the growth. FIG. 9 illustratesthe placement of the S-ICD subcutaneous lead system such that he problemthat growth presents to the lead system is overcome. The distal end ofthe subcutaneous electrode is placed in the same location as describedabove providing a good location for the coilcardioversion/defibrillation electrode 27 and the sensing electrodes 23and 25. The insulated lead 21, however, is no longer placed in a tautconfiguration. Instead, the lead is serpiginously placed with aspecially designed introducer trocar and sheath such that it hasnumerous waves or bends. As the child grows, the waves or bends willstraighten out lengthening the lead system while maintaining properelectrode placement. Although it is expected that fibrous scarringespecially around the defibrillation coil will help anchor it intoposition to maintain its posterior position during growth, a lead systemwith a distal tine or screw electrode anchoring system 52 can also beincorporated into the distal tip of the lead to facilitate leadstability (see FIG. 1). Other anchoring systems can also be used such ashooks, sutures, or the like.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of the present S-ICDinvention. In this embodiment there are two subcutaneous electrodes 13and 13′ of opposite polarity to the canister. The additionalsubcutaneous electrode 13′ is essentially identical to the previouslydescribed electrode. In this embodiment the cardioversion/defibrillationenergy is delivered between the active surface of the canister and thetwo coil electrodes 27 and 27′. Additionally, provided in the canisteris means for selecting the optimum sensing arrangement between the foursense electrodes 23, 23′, 25, and 25′. The two electrodes aresubcutaneously placed on the same side of the heart. As illustrated inFIG. 6, one subcutaneous electrode 13 is placed inferiorly and the otherelectrode 13′ is placed superiorly. It is also contemplated with thisdual subcutaneous electrode system that the canister and onesubcutaneous electrode are the same polarity and the other subcutaneouselectrode is the opposite polarity.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, further embodiments are illustratedwhere the canister 11 of the S-ICD of the present invention is shaped tobe particularly useful in placing subcutaneously adjacent and parallelto a rib of a patient. The canister is long, thin, and curved to conformto the shape of the patient's rib. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.12, the canister has a diameter ranging from about 0.5 cm to about 2 cmwithout 1 cm being presently preferred. Alternatively, instead of havinga circular cross sectional area, the canister could have a rectangularor square cross sectional area as illustrated in FIG. 13 without fallingoutside of the scope of the present invention. The length of thecanister can vary depending on the size of the patient's thorax.Currently the canister is about 5 cm to about 15 cm long with aboutbeing presently preferred. The canister is curved to conform to thecurvature of the ribs of the thorax. The radius of the curvature willvary depending on the size of the patient, with smaller radiuses forsmaller patients and larger radiuses for larger patients. The radius ofthe curvature can range from about 5 cm to about 35 cm depending on thesize of the patient. Additionally, the radius of the curvature need notbe uniform throughout the canister such that it can be shaped closer tothe shape of the ribs. The canister has an active surface, 15 that islocated on the interior (concave) portion of the curvature and aninactive surface 16 that is located on the exterior (convex) portion ofthe curvature. The leads of these embodiments, which are not illustratedexcept for the attachment port 19 and the proximal end of the lead 21,can be any of the leads previously described above, with the leadillustrated in FIG. 1 being presently preferred.

The circuitry of this canister is similar to the circuitry describedabove. Additionally, the canister can optionally have at least one senseelectrode located on either the active surface of the inactive surfaceand the circuitry within the canister can be programmable as describedabove to allow for the selection of the best sense electrodes. It ispresently preferred that the canister have two sense electrodes 26 and28 located on the inactive surface of the canisters as illustrated,where the electrodes are spaced from about 1 to about 10 cm apart with aspacing of about 3 cm being presently preferred. However, the senseelectrodes can be located on the active surface as described above.

It is envisioned that the embodiment of FIG. 12 will be subcutaneouslyimplanted adjacent and parallel to the left anterior 5th rib, eitherbetween the 4th and 5th ribs or between the 5th and 6th ribs. Howeverother locations can be used.

Another component of the S-ICD of the present invention is a cutaneoustest electrode system designed to simulate the subcutaneous high voltageshock electrode system as well as the QRS cardiac rhythm detectionsystem. This test electrode system is comprised of a cutaneous patchelectrode of similar surface area and impedance to that of the S-ICDcanister itself together with a cutaneous strip electrode comprising adefibrillation strip as well as two button electrodes for sensing of theQRS. Several cutaneous strip electrodes are available to allow fortesting various bipole spacings to optimize signal detection comparableto the implantable system.

FIGS. 14 to 18 depict particular US-ICD embodiments of the presentinvention. The various sensing, shocking and pacing circuitry, describedin detail above with respect to the S-ICD embodiments, may additionallybe incorporated into the following US-ICD embodiments. Furthermore,particular aspects of any individual S-ICD) embodiment discussed abovemay be incorporated, in whole or in part, into the US-ICD) embodimentsdepicted in the following figures.

Turning now to FIG. 14, the US-ICD of the present invention isillustrated. The US-ICD consists of a curved housing 1211 with a firstand second end. The first end 1413 is thicker than the second end 1215.This thicker area houses a battery supply, capacitor and operationalcircuitry for the US-ICD. The circuitry will be able to monitor cardiacrhythms for tachycardia and fibrillation, and if detected, will initiatecharging the capacitor and then delivering cardioversion/defibrillationenergy through the two cardioversion/defibrillating electrodes 1417 and1219 located on the outer surface of the two ends of the housing. Thecircuitry can provide cardioversion/defibrillation energy in differenttypes of waveforms. In the preferred embodiment, a 100 uF biphasicwaveform is used of approximately 10–20 ms total duration and with theinitial phase containing approximately ⅔ of the energy, however, anytype of waveform can be utilized such as monophasic, biphasic,multiphasic or alternative waveforms as is known in the art.

The housing of the present invention can be made out of titanium alloyor other presently preferred ICD designs. It is contemplated that thehousing is also made out of biocompatible plastic materials thatelectronically insulate the electrodes from each other. However, it iscontemplated that a malleable canister that can conform to the curvatureof the patient's chest will be preferred. In this way the patient canhave a comfortable canister that conforms to the unique shape of thepatient's rib cage. Examples of conforming ICD housings are provided inU.S. Pat. No. 5,645,586, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference. In the preferred embodiment, the housing iscurved in the shape of a 5^(th) rib of a person. Because there are manydifferent sizes of people, the housing will come in differentincremental sizes to allow a good match between the size of the rib cageand the size of the US-ICD. The length of the US-ICD will range fromabout 15 to about 50 cm. Because of the primary preventative role of thetherapy and the need to reach energies over 40 Joules, a feature of thepreferred embodiment is that the charge time for the therapy,intentionally be relatively long to allow capacitor charging within thelimitations of device size.

The thick end of the housing is currently needed to allow for theplacement of the battery supply, operational circuitry, and capacitors.It is contemplated that the thick end will be about 0.5 cm to about 2 cmwide with about 1 cm being presently preferred. As microtechnologyadvances, the thickness of the housing will become smaller.

The two cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes on the housing are usedfor delivering the high voltage cardioversion/defibrillation energyacross the heart. In the preferred embodiment, thecardioversion/defibrillation electrodes are coil electrodes, however,other cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes could be used such ashaving electrically isolated active surfaces or platinum alloyelectrodes. The coil cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes are about5–10 cm in length. Located on the housing between the twocardioversion/defibrillation electrodes are two sense electrodes 1425and 1427. The sense electrodes are spaced far enough apart to be able tohave good QRS detection. This spacing can range from 1 to 10 cm with 4cm being presently preferred. The electrodes may or may not becircumferential with the preferred embodiment. Having the electrodesnon-circumferential and positioned outward, toward the skin surface, isa means to minimize muscle artifact and enhance QRS signal quality. Thesensing electrodes are electrically isolated from thecardioversion/defibrillation electrode via insulating areas 1423.Analogous types of cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes are currentlycommercially available in a transvenous configuration. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,534,022, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference, discloses a composite electrode with a coilcardioversion/defibrillation electrode and sense electrodes.Modifications to this arrangement are contemplated within the scope ofthe invention. One such modification is to have the sense electrodes atthe two ends of the housing and have the cardioversion/defibrillationelectrodes located in between the sense electrodes. Another modificationis to have three or more sense electrodes spaced throughout the housingand allow for the selection of the two best sensing electrodes. If threeor more sensing electrodes are used, then the ability to change whichelectrodes are used for sensing would be a programmable feature of theUS-ICD to adapt to changes in the patient physiology and size over time.The programming could be done via the use of physical switches on thecanister, or as presently preferred, via the use of a programming wandor via a wireless connection to program the circuitry within thecanister.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the optimal subcutaneous placement of the US-ICDof the present invention is illustrated. As would be evident to a personskilled in the art, the actual location of the US-ICD is in asubcutaneous space that is developed during the implantation process.The heart is not exposed during this process and the heart isschematically illustrated in the figures only for help in understandingwhere the device and its various electrodes are three dimensionallylocated in the thorax of the patient. The US-ICD is located between theleft mid-clavicular line approximately at the level of the inframammarycrease at approximately the 5^(th) rib and the posterior axillary line,ideally just lateral to the left scapula. This way the US-ICD provides areasonably good pathway for current delivery to the majority of theventricular myocardium.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the method for implanting the US-ICDof the present invention. An incision 1631 is made in the left anterioraxillary line approximately at the level of the cardiac apex. Asubcutaneous pathway is then created that extends posteriorly to allowplacement of the US-ICD. The incision can be anywhere on the thoraxdeemed reasonable by the implanting physician although in the preferredembodiment, the US-ICD of the present invention will be applied in thisregion. The subcutaneous pathway is created medially to the inframammarycrease and extends posteriorly to the left posterior axillary line. Thepathway is developed with a specially designed curved introducer 1742(see FIG. 17). The trocar has a proximal handle 1641 and a curved shaft1643. The distal end 1745 of the trocar is tapered to allow fordissection of a subcutaneous path in the patient. Preferably, the trocaris cannulated having a central lumen 1746 and terminating in an opening1748 at the distal end. Local anesthetic such as lidocaine can bedelivered, if necessary, through the lumen or through a curved andelongated needle designed to anesthetize the path to be used for trocarinsertion should general anesthesia not be employed. Once thesubcutaneous pathway is developed, the US-ICD is implanted in thesubcutaneous space, the skin incision is closed using standardtechniques.

As described previously, the US-ICDs of the present invention vary inlength and curvature. The US-ICDs are provided in incremental sizes forsubcutaneous implantation in different sized patients. Turning now toFIG. 18, a different embodiment is schematically illustrated in explodedview which provides different sized US-ICDs that are easier tomanufacture. The different sized US-ICDs will all have the same sizedand shaped thick end 1413. The thick end is hollow inside allowing forthe insertion of a core operational member 1853. The core membercomprises a housing 1857 which contains the battery supply, capacitorand operational circuitry for the US-ICD. The proximal end of the coremember has a plurality of electronic plug connectors. Plug connectors1861 and 1863 are electronically connected to the sense electrodes viapressure fit connectors (not illustrated) inside the thick end which arestandard in the art. Plug connectors 1865 and 1867 are alsoelectronically connected to the cardioverter/defibrillator electrodesvia pressure fit connectors inside the thick end. The distal end of thecore member comprises an end cap 1855, and a ribbed fitting 1859 whichcreates a water-tight seal when the core member is inserted into opening1851 of the thick end of the US-ICD.

The core member of the different sized and shaped US-ICD will all be thesame size and shape. That way, during an implantation procedure,multiple sized US-ICDs can be available for implantation, each onewithout a core member. Once the implantation procedure is beingperformed, then the correct sized US-ICD can be selected and the coremember can be inserted into the US-ICD and then programmed as describedabove. Another advantage of this configuration is when the batterywithin the core member needs replacing it can be done without removingthe entire US-ICD.

Post-shock bradycardia is a common after-effect of shocking the heartfor cardioversion/defibrillation therapy. Symptoms related to low bloodpressure may result from post-shock bradycardia whenever the heart ratefalls below approximately 30 to approximately 50 beats per minute.Accordingly, it is often desirable to provide anti-bradycardia pacing tocorrect the symptoms resulting from bradycardia.

Because the present invention uses a pacing electrode system that doesnot directly contact the heart, the many advantages of simple monophasicpacing are not suitable for the device described herein. To ensureadequate pacing capture of the heart through a subcutaneous only leadsystem, pacing therapy can be considerably enhanced (i.e., require lessenergy and voltage) by using a biphasic rather than the conventionalmonophasic waveform for pacing.

FIG. 19 is a graph that shows an embodiment of the example of a biphasicwaveform for use in anti-bradycardia pacing applications in subcutaneousimplantable cardioverter-defibrillators (“S-ICD”) in an embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the biphasic waveform isplotted as a function of time versus instantaneous voltage.

In an embodiment, the biphasic waveform 1902 comprises a positiveportion 1904, a negative portion 1906 and a transition portion 1908. Thepositive portion 1904 of the biphasic waveform 1902 comprises an initialpositive voltage 1910, a positive decay voltage 1912 and a finalpositive voltage 1914. The negative portion 1906 of the biphasicwaveform 1902 comprises an initial negative voltage 1916, a negativedecay voltage 1918 and a final negative voltage 1920. In an embodiment,the polarities of the biphasic waveform 1902 can be reversed such thatthe negative portion 1906 precedes the positive portion 1904 in time.

As shown in FIG. 19, the biphasic waveform 1902 is initially at zerovoltage. Upon commencement of the anti-bradycardia pacing, a voltage ofpositive polarity is provided and the biphasic waveform 1902 rises tothe initial positive voltage 1910. Next, the voltage of the biphasicwaveform 1902 decays along the positive decay voltage 1912 untilreaching a voltage level at the final positive voltage 1914. At thispoint, the positive portion 1904 of the biphasic waveform 1902 istruncated and a negative voltage is provided. The biphasic waveform 1902then undergoes a relatively short transition portion 1908 where thevoltage is approximately zero. Next, the biphasic waveform 1902 isincreased (in absolute value) in the opposite (negative) polarity to theinitial negative voltage 1916. After reaching its maximum negativevoltage (in absolute value), the voltage of the biphasic waveform 1902decays along the negative decay voltage 1918 until reaching a voltagelevel at the final negative voltage 1914. After the negative portion1906 of the biphasic waveform 1902 is truncated at the final negativevoltage 1914, the biphasic waveform 1902 returns to zero.

The total amount of time that the biphasic waveform 1902 comprises isknown as the “pulse width.” In an embodiment, the pulse width of thebiphasic waveform can range from approximately 2 milliseconds toapproximately 40 milliseconds. The total amount of energy delivered is afunction of the pulse width and the average (absolute) value of thevoltage. The ratio of the final positive voltage 1914 (or final negativevoltage 1920) to the initial positive voltage 1910 (initial negativevoltage 1916) is known as the “tilt” of the waveform. Typically, thetilt of the positive portion 1904 of the biphasic waveform 1902 is equalto the negative portion 1906. However, depending upon the specificapplication, these two tilts may be different from each other.

An example of one embodiment of the biphasic waveform 1902 will now bedescribed. In this embodiment, the amplitude of the initial positivevoltage 1910 can range from approximately 5 to approximately 500 volts.In one example, the amplitude of the initial positive voltage 1910 isapproximately 20 volts. In addition, in an example, the tilt of thepositive decay voltage 1912 is approximately 50%. Typically, the tilt ofthe positive decay voltage 1912 can range from approximately 10% toapproximately 90% although the waveform tilt can be considerably higheror lower, depending on variables such as capacitance, tissue resistanceand type of electrode system used. Assuming a 50% tilt for this example,the amplitude of the trailing edge of the final positive voltage 1914 isapproximately 10 volts, but can vary between approximately 2 volts toapproximately 300 volts.

Similarly, the amplitude of the initial negative voltage 1916 can rangefrom approximately −5 to approximately −500 volts. In one example, theamplitude of the initial negative voltage 1916 is approximately −20volts. In addition, in an example the tilt of the negative decay voltage1918 is approximately 50%. Typically, the tilt of the negative decayvoltage 1918 can range from approximately 10% to approximately 90%.However, like the initial positive phase described above, the tilt andamplitude of an effective pacing pulse may vary considerably. Assuming a50% tilt for this example, the amplitude of the final negative voltageis approximately 10 volts, but can vary between approximately −2 voltsto approximately −300 volts.

In the example, the pulse width of the biphasic waveform 1902 can rangefrom approximately 2 milliseconds to approximately 40 milliseconds. Inaddition, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator employsanti-bradycardia pacing at rates of approximately 40 to approximately120 stimuli/minute for severe bradycardia episodes although programmingof higher pacing rates up to 120 stimuli/minute is also possible.

Although it possible for the present invention to provide standard VVIpacing at predetermined or preprogrammed rates, one embodiment providesanti-bradycardia pacing only for bradycardia or post-shock bradycardia.To avoid frequent anti-bradycardia pacing at 50 stimuli/minute but toprovide this rate in case of emergencies, a hysteresis detection triggercan be employed at lower rates, typically in the range of approximately20 to approximately 40 stimuli/minute. For example, a default settingmay be set at approximately 20 stimuli/minute (i.e., the equivalent of a3 second pause), and the invention providing VVI pacing at a rate ofapproximately 50 stimuli/minute only when such a pause occurs. Inanother embodiment, the invention can provide physiologic pacing in aVVIR mode of operation in response to a certain activity, respiration,pressure or oxygenation sensor.

The S-ICD and US-ICD devices and methods of the present invention may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the teachings oressential characteristics of the invention. The described embodimentsare therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes whichcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims aretherefore to be embraced therein.

1. A method of treating bradycardia comprising providing electricalpacing stimulus between two implanted electrodes disposed exclusive ofthe heart wherein one of the electrodes is disposed on a canister for animplantable stimulus providing device, and the other of the twoimplanted electrodes is disposed on a lead electrode assembly coupled tothe canister.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the two electrodesdisposed exclusive of the heart are also disposed outside of thepatient's vasculature.
 3. A method of pacing a patient through abradycardia event comprising: providing a pair of stimulus electrodesexclusive of the patient's heart; providing an implantable stimulusdevice at a subcutaneous location, the implantable stimulus devicehousing an energy source and an energy storage device and being coupledto a lead system including at least one electrode of the electrode pair;determining whether the patient has an abnormally slow heartbeat bysensing events in the patient's cardiac rhythm; transferring energy froman energy source to an energy storage device; and discharging energyfrom the energy storage device using the stimulus electrodes; whereinone of the stimulus electrodes is disposed on the implantable stimulusdevice.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of determiningwhether the patient has an abnormally slow heartbeat includes using twosensing electrodes both disposed exclusive of the patient's heart. 5.The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of the sensing electrodes isnot one of the stimulus electrodes.
 6. A method of treating an abnormalcardiac rhythm comprising pacing the patient's heartbeat by: providing apair of electrodes disposed internal to a patient and exclusive of thepatient's heart; sensing an event in the patient's cardiac rhythm;transferring energy from an energy source to an energy storage system;discharging energy from the energy storage system using the electrodepair; and determining whether the patient has an abnormally slowheartbeat, wherein the step of sensing an event in the patient's cardiacrhythm provides information for determining whether the patient has anabnormally slow heartbeat; wherein the electrode pair includes a firstelectrode disposed on a stimulus device housing the energy source andthe energy storage system, and a second electrode disposed on a leadelectrode assembly coupled to the stimulus device.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the step of providing a pair of electrodes includesproviding the pair of electrodes outside of the patient's vasculature.8. A method of treating an abnormal cardiac rhythm comprising pacing thepatient's heartbeat by: providing a pair of electrodes disposed internalto a patient and exclusive of the patient's heart; sensing an event inthe patient's cardiac rhythm; transferring energy from an energy sourceto an energy storage system; discharging energy from the energy storagesystem using the electrode pair; and determining whether the patient hasan abnormally slow heartbeat, wherein the step of sensing an event inthe patient's cardiac rhythm provides information for determiningwhether the patient has an abnormally slow heartbeat; providing animplantable stimulus device implanted in the patient, the implantablestimulus device housing the energy source and the energy storage systemand being coupled to a lead system including at least one electrode ofthe electrode pair; wherein the step of providing an implantablestimulus device includes implanting the stimulus device along the leftanterior axillary line of the patient.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe step of providing an implantable stimulus device includes implantingthe stimulus device at a location between the patient's third andtwelfth ribs.
 10. A method of treating an abnormal cardiac rhythmcomprising pacing the patient's heartbeat by: providing a pair ofelectrodes disposed internal to a patient and exclusive of the patient'sheart; sensing an event in the patient's cardiac rhythm; transferringenergy from an energy source to an energy storage system; dischargingenergy from the energy storage system using the electrode pair; anddetermining whether the patient has an abnormally slow heartbeat,wherein the step of sensing an event in the patient's cardiac rhythmprovides information for determining whether the patient has anabnormally slow heartbeat; providing an implantable stimulus deviceimplanted in the patient, the implantable stimulus device housing theenergy source and the energy storage system and being coupled to a leadsystem including at least one electrode of the electrode pair; whereinthe step of providing an implantable stimulus device includes implantingthe stimulus device along the inframammary crease of the patient.
 11. Amethod of treating an abnormal cardiac rhythm comprising pacing thepatient's heartbeat by: providing a pair of electrodes disposed internalto a patient and exclusive of the patient's heart; sensing an event inthe patient's cardiac rhythm; transferring energy from an energy sourceto an energy storage system; discharging energy from the energy storagesystem using the electrode pair; and determining whether the patient hasan abnormally slow heartbeat, wherein the step of sensing an event inthe patient's cardiac rhythm provides information for determiningwhether the patient has an abnormally slow heartbeat; providing animplantable stimulus device implanted in the patient, the implantablestimulus device housing the energy source and the energy storage systemand being coupled to a lead system including at least one electrode ofthe electrode pair; wherein the step of providing an implantablestimulus device includes implanting the stimulus device at approximatelythe level of the cardiac apex.